State’s Attorney Election – #KnowYourGovernment

Overview

The State’s Attorney functions as the district attorney for Cook County, and heads the second largest prosecutor’s office in the United States. In addition to direct criminal prosecution, the State’s Attorney’s Office files legal actions to enforce child support orders, protect consumers and the elderly from exploitation, and assist thousands of victims of domestic violence every year. The office also serves as legal counsel for Cook County government agencies, and serves as legal counsel for all Cook County public officials.

Why is it important?

This has been one of the more contentious local races this year, following the primary election defeat of former State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez. She was heavily criticized for waiting 13 months before bringing first-degree murder charges against officer Jason Van Dyke, who fatally shot 17-year-old Laquan McDonald 16 times. The winner of the upcoming election will be under increased public scrutiny regarding cases of police misconduct as a result.

Candidates on the Issues

In the running are Democrat and current assistant state’s attorney Kim Foxx, who defeated Anita Alvarez by a 2-1 margin in the primary election, and Republican/longtime criminal prosecutor Christopher Pfannkuche.